[van-announce] Charges Against "Woodwards 54" Dropped!

[resist at resist.ca]

Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2002 3:45 PM
Subject: Charges Against "Woodwards 54" Dropped!



***PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY***

Today the "Woodwards 54," squatters and supporters charged with civil 
contempt of court for their occupation of the Woodwards building, made their 
first court appearance since being arrested on September 21, 2002.

Charges of criminal contempt, which is a more serious charge, had been 
contemplated by the Crown right up until the last moment.  However, in court 
today Lawyers for BC Housing, which officially owns the Woodwards building 
and applied for the original injunction, declined to proceed with charges 
against the squatters and their supporters.

In other words, we won!

However, the legal battle is not over.  Squatters and supporters are 
considering legal action against Vancouver Police and other authorities 
responsible for the theft/destruction of people's possessions on September 
21 and 22, as well as the brutality and false arrests of September 22, when 
the cops blocked off streets around Woodwards, ordered everyone to leave and 
then started arresting people on the pretext of enforcing By-Law infractions 
(which are normally handled by simply writing a ticket).

So far the Woodwards Legal Defence Committee has raised over $4000.00.  
However, much more is needed to both receive justice for those who had their 
personal belongings taken from them and who were mistreated and brutalized 
by the VPD on September 21 and 22.  The Woodwards squatters also have an 
upcoming court date to challenge an injunction brought by the City of 
Vancouver who apparently do not mind homelessness, providing the homeless 
are not seen by area businesses and property owners who do not like being 
reminded of the consequences of the policies many of them support.

To donate to the Woodwards Legal Defence Fund, make your cheque payable to 
the "Woodwards Legal Defense Fund" and mail to:

Woodwards Legal Defence Fund
P.O. Box 21552
1850 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC
V5N 5T5